trunnion

noun

trun·​nion ˈtrən-yən How to pronounce trunnion (audio)
: a pin or pivot on which something can be rotated or tilted
especially : either of two opposite gudgeons on which a cannon is swiveled

Examples of trunnion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Use grease on choke tube threads and on the trunnions or hinge-pin where the barrels pivot on a break-action, and on the knuckle, the half-round piece on some break-action frames that bear on the forend iron. Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 27 Feb. 2023 Chicago’s first trunnion bascule bridge — is built over the North Branch of the Chicago River. Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2022 The project includes replacing the trunnion, a critical piece that allows the bridge to raise and lower, o the more than a century-old northbound span of the bridge. oregonlive, 12 Sep. 2020 The project includes replacing the trunnion, a critical piece that allows the bridge to raise and lower, on the more than a century-old northbound span of the bridge. oregonlive, 12 Sep. 2020 Crews have been replacing trunnion parts of the 103 year old structure that help lift and lower the bridge. oregonlive, 25 Sep. 2020 The lane closure is scheduled from Sept. 28 - Oct. 4 as construction crews reconnect the median barrier and wrap up from the trunnion project. oregonlive, 25 Sep. 2020 When the Interstate Bridge replacement project known as the Columbia River Crossing collapsed, plans accelerated to replace the aging trunnion. oregonlive, 27 Aug. 2020 State officials first spotted a crack in a trunnion on the northbound span, which functions like an axle and allows for the bridge to move up and down, more than two decades ago. oregonlive, 27 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trunnion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French trognon core, stump

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trunnion was circa 1625

Dictionary Entries Near trunnion

Cite this Entry

“Trunnion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trunnion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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